28 weeks preg - fundal height 24/25 cm. How worried should I be?

[fuzzyfelt]

I had my 28 week MW appointment yesterday. Everything normal - heartrate good, plenty of movement etc except that my bump only seems to be measuring only 24 / 25cm. I measured 23 cm at my 24 week appointment, so have only 'grown' 1 - 2cm in 4 weeks.

MW did not seem overly concerned as she said baby could be lying sideways but that she'd refer me for a growth scan next week to be on the safe side.

Anyone had this? I feel quite panicky now as have read up a bit on it and the general concensus seems to be 1 or 2 cms outside the 'norm' is fine but 3 - 4cm seems quite worrying. I've had a couple of tummy bugs since my last appointment and my hormonal and neurotic self can't help worrying that this may have caused a problem for the baby

I know measuring fundal height is not an exact science but then why do MW do it if it's not? Also, this is my 3rd pregnancy and I was always on target size wise in previous pregs.

I phoned the MW this morning to ask her more but she's not in today. The MW I spoke to instead informed me (very curtly it seemed) that if I was THAT worried I should see my GP and get him to refer me for an urgent scan.

What shall I do? Relax and wait for the scan next week or push for an earlier one?

[FaithL]

Poor you, is horrible worrying about these things! If the MW doesn't seem unduly concerned then I would say that there is probably not too much to worry about - fundal heights are falling out of favour as they are rather imprecise anyway. However, if it would put your mind at rest I would go get a scan. Good luck!

[Quootiepie]

My bump was 1 - 3 cms small in the last few months, and no one seemed too concerned. He came out at 6lb 6oz. I dont know if it worked like this, but I do have big hips so I think he might have been hiding abit. If you want a scan, theres no harm in getting an earlier one... if it will set your mind at ease xxx

[fuzzyfelt]

Thanks for your replies. After my initial panic I've decided to wait and have the scan next week rather than push for an emergency scan this week. Fingers crossed that all is OK!

[el123456]

Had same thing with all three previous pregnancies and everything been fine,just thought would share that to try reasure you.im sure you will still worry though thats what pregnancy is for!

[el123456]

Had same thing with all three previous pregnancies and everything been fine,just thought would share that to try reasure you.im sure you will still worry though thats what pregnancy is for!

[el123456]

oh sorry you got twice!!

[magnolia1]

The midwives in my area no longer measure fundal height. I always carry low and had so many growth scans with. Was induced early witth her as they said she was not growing properly. They said she would be under 5lb and was 6lb 8oz!!

[magnolia1]

with dd1

[Toothyboy]

fuzzyfelt - I was exactly the same size at the same stage. Try to take it easy and rest as much as poss.

At the growth scan they will check the size of the baby and also the blood flow through the cord to check that all the nutrients are getting through. I think they also look at the placenta to see that it's functioning correctly.

I had numerous growth scans as the baby measured small throughout my pregnancy, although he did keep on growing at a steady rate. You will probably be monitored quite closely to check the baby is still growing.

Ds2 was delivered by C-section at 38+5, and sure enough he was teeny (4lb 15oz)! But perfectly formed, needed no extra care and fed straight away. We were able to go home 3 days after the section as normal.

I'm sure you'll be fine, so try to relax as much as possible. Good luck, and let us know how you get on at your scan .